Chicago, Ill., September 2,
2008--Today’s announcement by United Airlines (Nasdaq: UAUA) that it is
reversing plans to charge passengers on overseas flights for meals is further
proof that the airline’s CEO and his executives are out of touch with the needs
of its passengers.

“(United CEO) Glenn Tilton once
again demonstrates an alarming disconnect with the life’s blood of our airline,”
said Captain Steve Wallach, chairman of the United Chapter of the Air Line
Pilots Association. “Mr. Tilton and his executives floated this ill-advised
scheme to try to raise revenue while making service worse for our passengers.
And our passengers have made their objections clear.

“Our passengers deserve better than
to be treated as guinea pigs by an executive who obviously lacks direction and
vision. It’s time Mr. Tilton and his minions stop abusing the goodwill of
United’s passengers and instead take fundamental steps to improve service,
rationalize flight schedules and eliminate excessive perks and bonuses for
executives.”

On August 20, the Company announced
it was discontinuing complimentary meal service in coach on many flights to and
from Europe as a way, they claimed, of offsetting rising fuel costs. In a press
release that same day, United’s pilots said the real reason for the meal charges
was to enable the airline to further reduce flight attendant staffing, which
would make onboard service noticeably worse. By any measure, the pilots believe,
the proposed changes would have been a disastrous business strategy that would
only drive away customers and encourage them to choose other airlines. Today’s
reversal by the company clearly demonstrates that the pilots have a better feel
for the pulse of their customers’ needs than their non-airline CEO.

“The evidence continues to mount
that United Airlines remains a misguided ship under Mr. Tilton’s direction,”
said Captain Wallach.

The United pilots have set up a
petition on their website,
www.GlennTilton.com, for United passengers to demand the removal of these
and other charges, and to restore the service passengers once expected from
United Airlines.